SARA WALL '23 Recruiting Profile

I just turned 16 and feel I have a unique and wonderful life story! 

My swimming career began at the age of eight in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  I trained for three years under the direction of Stefan Todorov, a tough Bulgarian coach and Olympic alternate, who emphasized all strokes (IM team).  Living in Abu Dhabi afforded our team opportunities to compete both locally and internationally.  A quick story:  While very new to swimming, my team competed in Muscat, Oman at the Middle East Championships. I watched as all of my teammates received medals based on their performances.  My coach, on the other hand, presented me a consolation ‘chocolate bar’ in front of the group.  I was so mad that I came back the following year and won the high point trophy.  

My true strengths lie in discipline, consistency and attitude.  In eight years of competitive swimming, I have never disqualified, false started, missed a race, quit a race or scratched any event.  I have never experienced major swings in my performance even when ill.  I have always maintained a positive attitude for myself and those around me.  I feel I’ve developed these traits and others because I belong to a close-knit military family.  My parents are retired U.S. Army officers/helicopter pilots and both served abroad and in combat.  After several military moves, we made a family decision to move to Abu Dhabi for work, school, adventure and travel opportunities. We lived there for five years where I attended a large British international school with 90+ different nationalities.  I tried many sports including gymnastics, soccer, netball, karate and rugby.  I found swimming and have never looked back. We traveled to more than 50 countries on six continents.

We moved to Park City, Utah in June of 2016 - from sea level to 6,300 feet!  I feel my college experience would not be complete without swimming.  Swimming puts everything into perspective and gives me focus.  The sport forces me to prioritize and manage my time effectively. Swimming enables my good grades.  Mostly though, I love swimming on a team.  My current teammates are my closest friends and I would enjoy these types of positive relationships in college.